25 Best Ways to Update Your Master Bedroom

Innovate With Your Nightstands

Feeling uninspired by your nightstand? Before buying a new one, look around the house for something else that could replace it: a floating shelf, a beloved chair, a pile of books—even a stack of vintage suitcases. The charm will make your space feel more collected and thoughtful. You can hang artwork right above it to make it feel more intentional.

Play With Shape Repetition

If everything in your space feels too square, repeat a few circular patterns throughout the space to make it more dynamic. In this bedroom by BHDM, the large circular artwork above the bed is flanked with two white dome lamps, creating a fun retro effect.

Repeat colors the same way you do shapes and patterns to give your space a cohesive feel.

Paint Your Ceiling

We always think of painting our walls, but how about leaving them bare and painting the ceiling instead? In this master bedroom, the teal ceiling draws the eye up, making the ceiling appear higher than it actually is. It also highlights the architectural detail in the ceiling.

Try to mirror the effect on the floor by adding a rug that's about the same size as the area you painted on your ceiling to balance everything and ground the space.

Build Your Own Headboard

Regular headboards are great, but large upholstered headboards that go wall to wall are undoubtedly better, especially when they have built-in nightstands. If you're struggling with a large empty bed wall, try making your own headboard—it's easier than you think, and the effort will be well worth it.

Consider hanging a pendant from the ceiling instead of using a table lamp or sconce to play with the proportions of the space and fill up the blank wall.

Switch up Your Layout

Sometimes all you need is to rethink your layout to make your space feel brand-new. Try putting your bed underneath the window and reorganize the orientation of your room. You'll be surprised how fresh your bedroom feels even if every piece of furniture stays the same.

While you're at it, take the opportunity to declutter the space—another trick that will make your room feel fresh and curated.

Use the Power of Paint

While we typically think of accent walls as painting a single wall and leaving the others in a neutral color, the new way to do accent walls is to paint shapes or even borders on all walls. Paint a red stripe in the middle of your walls or line the bottom half of your walls with a dark paint color.

Then add a few accents to the room in the same color as your wall accent color to make your décor feel more intentional and coherent.

Play With Your Ceiling Height

Have high ceilings? Play with the proportions of your bedroom by bringing in a canopy bed. Hang curtains all the way up to the ceiling and let them fall to the ground, or even paint the ceiling and the top foot of your wall in a darker tone-on-tone color. Staying within the same color palette will make your space feel elegant and refined.

Go Monochrome

Give yourself a challenge and try to decorate your bedroom with only two colors. Choose a rug that’s the same color as your wall paint color, and keep the hue going on your curtains too. Then add a darker accent color in a rich fabric like velvet to give the space a little contrast.

Try to stay coherent with your metal finishes too, opting for only one or two finishes like brass or blackened steel.

Add Texture

Every great designer knows the one trick to add interest to a room without overwhelming it is texture. Complex textures remind us of nature which are not only visually interesting, but soothing. This could be in the form of patterns, textiles, or materials such as wood. Look for anything that makes you want to reach out and touch it or curl up and get cozy in it.

Switch up the Sheets

Something as simple as changing up the sheets can make a place feel like new. If it's cold out, spring for cozy flannel or sateen if you prefer silky smooth.

Parachute Sateen Sheet Set $129

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Play With Patterns

Patterns are one of the most popular ways to add interest and dimension to a room quickly and affordably. Mix things up with an accent pillow or throw in a playful print.

Add Some Drama

Sometimes we need a little drama to keep things exciting. The easiest way to inject some in the room is with dramatic drapes or curtains. Try installing window treatments 6 to 8 inches above the height of the window and let the drapes hang down to the floor for maximum effect.

Change up the Accents

Just like accessories for an outfit, accent pieces can be easily updated to refresh your entire room with a few simple swaps. Consider a new knit blanket or throw some faux fur over your chair to cozy it up. Even a new vase can add a nice touch.

Infuse More of You

On that note, you may also want to consider incorporating more of your own interests or favorite items into the room to make it feel more like "you." Perhaps paint an accent wall in your favorite color, frame a poem by your favorite author, or display some animal sculptures if you're into furry friends.

Install Molding

This may sound like a lot of work, but it's easier than you think to install a frame of molding along a wall. It will instantly transform a once basic wall into a stylish, sophisticated boudoir.

Mix and Match

The eclectic look will always be in style so get playful and try pairing a variety of shapes, colors, or designs together that are not as obvious. You may end up loving it and your style will be all your own.

Take a Seat

Bedroom furniture can certainly go beyond the bed, beside tables, and dressers. Placing a tasteful accent chair in the corner or a bench at the foot of the bed can make the space feel more inviting. If you have the room for it, you could even include a lounge area with a small sofa or loveseat and table.

Apt2B Hudson Accent Chair $388 $330

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Let the Light In

Something as simple as changing the lighting in a room can make it feel like an entirely different space. Warm lighting, especially in the bedroom, is preferable to set the right mood. Dimmers or just a piece of cloth over a lamp can make all the difference. If you're craving more natural light in the room, consider switching out the curtains for sheer or lighter ones.

Freshen up with Flora

Never underestimate the power of introducing some greenery into your space. You can transform the bedroom into a botanical sanctuary with fresh flowers and plant life that will instantly brighten and liven up any room on a budget. Not only are they pleasing to the eyes and nose, you'll reap the countless health benefits as well.

Decorate the Walls

Wall art can make or break a room, and even the most beautiful art needs a refresh every now and then. Since the master bedroom is where you spend all of your resting hours, consider pieces that won't overwhelm or hang decor that represents things you love that you won't easily tire of.

Try a New Rug

Nothing can pull a whole room together more than the right rug. Get ready to shift the entire vibe of your room whether you decide to add or update one.

Update the Dresser

Dressers can often be overlooked when it comes to a bedroom makeover, but this important piece of furniture can drastically change up the look of your room. Consider changing the color, material, height, and shape or simply paint it to get a fresh take.

Apt2B Solara 6 Drawer Dresser $1798 $1528

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Add Mid-Century Charm

Mid-century modern has become a classic style known for its sleek and chic aesthetic, and it's not going away anytime soon. If you don't already have some mid-century furniture, one or two key pieces, such as an accent chair or bookcase, could inject some instant cool.

Mixed Modern Walnut and Cane Mid Century Bookcase $1,200

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Paper the Walls

It may not be top of mind, but if you really want to mix things up and try something less traditional, we are big fans of wallpaper. Whimsical prints or colors used on an accent wall can really bring a fresh element to liven up the room.